Whole Person – Vetlanda

The whole person Vetlanda

Whole Person Vetlanda is granted support to start a Share-store – a social grocery store where people in economic vulnerability have the opportunity to buy food at reduced prices. The food comes from local stores and wholesalers and consists of items that would otherwise have been discarded, for example due to short dates or damaged packaging.

The store is based on a model that is already used in several locations in Sweden and combines social support with climate benefits. By utilizing fully edible food that would otherwise have gone to waste, food waste is reduced while resources reach those who need it most. The store will also have a simple café for conversation and community.

The project involves preparing a local space and hiring a project manager for one year to build up the operation, coordinate volunteers, and establish collaborations with food actors in Vetlanda and neighboring municipalities. The planned model means that both people in social vulnerability and other households with a sustainability focus can shop in the store – but with different discount rates, to strengthen independence.

This is an initiative where local churches, volunteer engagement, and businesses collaborate to create long-term social and ecological sustainability. The project is expected to create new networks, a new meeting place, new leisure activities, and over 1,200 hours of employment.